TIPS/Info for passing NCLEX

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Hi,

To everyone who passed recent nclex-rn, can you please share what helped you best (cd's, printed materials, etc..) ? Where to focus? and how did you study/prepare?

thanks... this will help a lot of us who are scheduled to take the exams soon

Specializes in orthopedic & HDU.

i failed 2x on nclex 5 yrs ago so depressed that i completely lost myself....now at age 39 i am willing to give it another shot...i never lost contact with my carrer i still work as a nurse but my brain may find it hard to comprehend with reading etc,, this time around....so to all....go for ur dream....im still trying

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Specializes in CCRN, House Sup, CCT, Unit Director, ICU.

Take it as soon as possible after graduating. Yes, even before you take that trip to Hawaii.

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Specializes in Paediatrics.

Do HARD questions like Kaplan. QUESTIONS at least 100 per day.:)

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Im doing Hurst review and Saunders questions first, then Ill do Kaplan.

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I did Kaplan Review Online and read Saunders. What worked for me was I answered at least 200 questions a day and went through its rationale whether I got the question correct or not. On top of that, I went back to the main system of what the question is asking about. If it was renal, I'd go back to renal system and review how it works and would even go online and get ideas from different sources such as youtubes or mayoclinic.

And when I'm driving or simply running doing my exercise, I'd listen to some audio lectures.

I didn't get high scores on my Kaplan QTrainers (50%-59%). I continued reading until the day before the exam.

And I passed. Prayers and believe in yourself.

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I've been reading Allnurses posts for a couple of years now. But I was never a member, I decided to become a member after I passed NCLEX. I just want to say THANK YOU for all the words of encouragement. Now, it's time for me to share my story…

Here it goes…I graduated BSN last 2008. Yea, that long ago. After graduation, while my classmates were busy studying for NCLEX, I took a long vacation to relax and reward myself after four long years of college. I did not bother studying because I thought I will be OK passing the test. Well, I thought wrong. My first test, the computer shut down at 75. Which was a bummer because it means I did not understand the questions at all. So, that was the worst feeling ever I felt in my whole life…YES, I am serious. All my classmates passed the first time they took the test. So, go figured how I would feel. (Lesson of the story: Take the NCLEX asap while your mind is still fresh with all the information you learned from school). Btw, first test preparation was Kaplan, I was scoring badly around high 50s. I did not even get to finished Qtrainers because I ran out of time. Also, DO NOT TAKE THE TEST WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR SCORE IS NOT A PASSING STANDARD and you do not feel ready at all.) I understand, we all do not feel ready and we will never feel ready to take this hard test because anxiety is taking over us, but as for me my gut feeling tells the truth. On my first test, I was not feeling it at all.)

For the 2nd test, I studied just the questions on LIPPINCOTT and I got 86 questions. I felt really bad after the test, I knew I failed. Lo and behold, I did. Believe me, I was losing hope and I wanted to switch career at that time, but my family and close friends never gave up on me. So, I realized why would I give up when I have all these support from my loved ones. I felt like the most dim-witted person in the whole wide world. I remember my mom told me: Do not think you are a loser, because losers are the ones who gave up easily and never tried. She instilled that in my head over and over again.

So then, I tried again for the 3rd time after 45 days. I studied Saunders (I recommend this for reading. It's very detailed). But I was rushing to get the test done, I did not even get to do a lot of questions. So I failed again and I got 75 questions 

For the 4th time, I combined reading Saunders and answering questions from LIPPINCOTT but I guess I was not FOCUS enough to pass the test. I got 265 questions.

For the 5th time, I got 265 questions and failed. This time was an eye opening. Yup, it took me awhile to have this big realization that I needed to change my study habits. I enrolled for a 1-month class…it's called SYCAMORE LEARNING CENTER FOR NURSES. Very quick class to refresh all you've studied in school. The instructor was very encouraging and dedicated into teaching for you to pass. Also, I studied the Kaplan Qtrainers on SLIDESHARE.COM (take advantage of it, it's free). Then, Hurst review (really good review, I highly recommend it).

So, on the 6th try, I PASSED! after a long journey…I am finally RN.

My study regime: Study everyday max 4hrs for me at least, meditate, exercise for 30mins, eat healthy to feed your brain, & sleep right. These really helped me to relax and focus on studying. Find a quiet zone where you can study (Park or the Library). And if your brain is fully loaded while studying take a break and relax your mind, listen to your favorite music, read magazines, reward yourself with your favorite dessert/food (for me-- Chocolate, YUM!). The most important of it all is PRAYERS… trust, HE will never leave your side when you need him.

TIP:

- For some of you who are working or have kids, ask help from your family & friends and take a time off. You really need a time to focus on studying for at least a month. If not, when everyone's sleeping and everything's quiet, find time to study.

- Reschedule your test if you are not ready. Trust me, on my 6th try, I rescheduled it a gazillion time until I felt right…

- UNDERSTANDING the material is how I passed NCLEX because if you are just answering the questions without understanding it…imagine the real world scenario and ask yourself…would I be able to deliver a safe practice? Of course not, If you do not know what you are doing.

- Remember: it doesn't matter how many times you failed, what matter is how you get up and win that battle Jeremiah 29:11,

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

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I took the Nclex rn on April 13th and did not pass planning to take it again on July 12th.Dear friends please give some tips and pray for me.I did my BSN in India.

Thank you.

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Hi everyone! My name is Heather and I'm about to be a junior in the nursing program at Purdue University North Central. I was looking for tips and helpful hints on what to study for the NCLEX. What I've already read from this discussion thread was really useful, and I thank you all for your information. I was just curious on which review is the best. I know they'll all help me, but there are so many different publishers it's hard to choose from: Saunders, Kaplan, Hesi, Mosby, Prentice Hall, Lippincott...there's just too many! I need all the help I can get! Advice, opinions, comments... whatever you can offer I'll take!

Thank you:)

And congrats to all of you who have already passed!

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thank lily for sharing your story, i feel the same now, wish me luck for my 5th time.

your words realy helped me.

i got a question about the hurst book how you got it & what year was it, cause im traying to get the new edition but none i can find online unless i enroll for the course & i can"t do it right now!!!

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Tips to all! In my opinion, it doesn't matter what books or study material you are studying...In fact, you can study only one book wholeheartedly and answer all the questions. Understanding is the key. The test is all about PSYCHOLOGICAL...be mentally prepared, answer the questions confidently...guaranteed you will PASS. I understand the test is hard but try to lessen your anxiety and negative thinking.

Remember: Things happened for a reason, if you don't pass the first time...it's ok. There's always a chance and it's not the end of the world. Your time will come and that license will be yours :)

I wanna spread positive energy to all and good luck!!!

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Im sorry, but when you guys talk about Kaplan, are you talking about the actual Kaplan College's program? Or is it a book or something youre talking about? Sorry, but Im just started out taking the pre reqs to apply to my LVN program. So just reading up early. Thanks

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Hi I am new on this. I have more then 15 post how can I pm Suzanne for her plan. is there an email address?

Thanks

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